During my last shoot, I was startled to find 10 horses had snuck up behind me to watch me shoot. They were so inquisitive and loved it when I snapped photos of them – practically posing together like family.
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I had the absolute honor of being asked to document a few days in the life of the young adults who live at the Possible Dream Foundation in North Carolina. Possible Dream is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mentally and physically challenged infants, children and adults. These kids are truly amazing… the most loving & caring, strong & brave individuals. Their home was completely destroyed by fire – lightening struck in the middle of the night thankfully when no one was home. It took everything from them… all their possessions including the motorhome that transported the kids, their pickup truck… you name it. I think the most incredible thing I witnessed those few days was how these kids just kept going. They take care of each other. They know that this awful thing happened, but they always know how to look forward. They are a true meaning of family. Many of them work with the dogs on site (Pawsable Dream dogs – they train them as police, working & handicap assistance dogs) and the bond is just an incredible thing to see. Their mom, who has formally adopted them all, tells me that the reason so many of her children have progressed so much farther than expected is because of this incredible opportunity… to have a real job of taking care of animals, and because of the true bond, love and support between animal and individual. These photos will be used on the new web site that is currently being built for them. The hope is to generate donations – whether money, clothes or general supplies in light of their current situation. Another goal is to generate buzz in the hopes that Extreme Home Makeover will learn of their story, and see all the wonderful things that Possible Dream does for these incredible kids. They have already been nominated; if you find yourself moved by their story I encourage you to write a letter to “Family Casting”… the address can be found here. It doesn’t have to be long, just a short note to show your support. I can’t say enough wonderful things about these kids… being with them for just two days enriched my life immensely.
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Marty & Jesse had an amazing river-side, near-sunset wedding in Augusta just a few weeks ago. I keep coming back to this image because it’s a perfect peek into their amazing celebration with dear friends and family: sincerely sweet, quaint, lovingly quirky, hand-crafted and sparkling with joy. Can’t wait to share the rest soon. by Ali show 1 comment
Keith and Suzanne were married near Suzanne’s hometown in Grand Coteau, Louisiana (the most charming and tiniest of towns) in the beautiful historic church where Suzanne’s family had been attending since before she was born. In a nod to Keith’s college soccer game tradition, a bagpiper played for arriving guests; in grand Louisiana fashion, all the groomsmen arrived on a trolley! Suzanne’s beautiful lavaliere had been worn by all the women in her family before her on their wedding day. To view the full gallery, click here. (I was so thrilled to have the incredibly talented and sweet Kate Murphy, who I met at the FIND workshop, second shoot for me on this day… her shot of the trolley and program are so gorgeous and help tell their beautiful story.)
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